Roger Foley has cerebellar ataxia, a
terminal and incurable severe brain disorder that limits
movement and leaves him unable to perform basic tasks
independently. He wants to be able to live at home, but has
instead been offered only two options: a forced discharge
from hospital or medically assisted death. Because of this,
Mr Foley is suing the hospital, several health agencies, and
the attorneys general of Ontario and Canada.

“The
Canadians haven’t had their law for very long and yet
already we can see that the idea of choice is a myth –
real choices are not available for patients to be assisted
to live,” says Dr Thirkell. “This is happening in the
same country that David Seymour calls “advanced” with a
law that he points to as an example to be followed.”

“Mr Foley’s case highlights the substantial dangers
that people with disability and serious chronic and
life-limiting medical conditions will face if Mr Seymour’s
End of Life Choice Bill is passed.”

Under the End of
Life Choice Bill, it is not necessary for a patient to have
their basic needs met before seeking euthanasia, and there
is no obligation to ensure real alternatives are explored;
the patient must simply be “aware” of them.

“The
Bill targets people who may have complex health needs, and
who rely on our health system for care. We should be
providing the highest standard of care and support to live,
which meets those needs.”

“True patient-centred care
enables the best living possible, personalised to the
patient where appropriate medical expertise and care is
properly provided. That’s what palliative and hospice care
does and that’s why palliative and hospice care should be
invested in.”

“Mr Foley wants to live and the irony is
that it is the availability of legal euthanasia and assisted
suicide that marks for him the end of any choice for
life.”

The Care Alliance stands in solidarity with Mr
Foley in his action to be assisted to live to, as he says,
“build my circle of care that works with me”.

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